I partially  agree with Friedman’s idea that “the social responsibility of business is to increase its profits within the rules of the game.” In an attempt to make more profits, firms would, for example try to lower the cost by make the best use of their limited resources or introducing new technologies which make their production more efficient. However, many business are using the conventional wisdom, in which they gain profit through causing social problems. For example, firms make profits through providing employees with poor working environment and resist environmentally improvement in order to save firms’ costs.

Personally, I think that business ethics could somehow push up business’ profits, and at the same time allow business to be socially responsible as it is mentioned in the passage: “Ethics give competitive edge”.

For instance, employees would improve their quality of service and be more productive when firms create comfortable workplaces for them. Moreover, it’s also a matter of fact that firms will be more efficient when there is no resource wasted. In addition, business can actually gain benefits by operating in an environmentally friendly way. It helps business to be more competitive, to operate in a sustainable way, and to focus on long-term growth that could create profits and make values for stakeholders.

Sources:

Bradwell M. Ethics Gives Competitive Edge (2013.9.10) http://allafrica.com/stories/201309100433.html?viewall=1

Michael P. Why Business Can Be Good at Solving Scoial Problems (2013.6.10) http://www.ted.com/talks/michael_porter_why_business_can_be_good_at_solving_social_problems.html